The Simplicity of Cider

Written by Amy E. Reichert

Narrated by Rachel Dulude

Focused and unassuming fifth generation cider-maker Sanna Lund has one desire: to live a simple, quiet life on her family's apple orchard in Door County, Wisconsin. Although her business is struggling, Sanna remains fiercely devoted to the orchard, despite her brother's attempts to convince their aging father to sell the land.

Single dad Isaac Banks has spent years trying to shield his son Sebastian from his troubled mother. Fleeing heartbreak at home, Isaac packed up their lives and the two headed out on an adventure, driving across the country. Chance-or fate-led them straight to Sanna's orchard.

Isaac's helping hands are much appreciated at the apple farm, even more when Sanna's father is injured in an accident. As Sanna's formerly simple life becomes increasingly complicated, she finds solace in unexpected places-friendship with young Sebastian and something more deliciously complex with Isaac-until an outside threat infiltrates the farm.

From the warm and funny Amy E. Reichert, The Simplicity of Cider is a charming love story with a touch of magic, perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Gayle Forman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: May 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781541472921

Amy E. Reichert

Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, Luck, Love & Lemon Pie, The Simplicity of Cider, and The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her local library’s board of directors.

Reviews for The Simplicity of Cider

[j · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

But just okay.
I just kept thinking “it’s not you, it’s me”....
the entire time I listened. I think it’s an okay book
Just not the right time for me to be listening. Fluffy and romantic. Predictable.

[nu5bibliophile · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Charming. Satisfying

[Madelyn Dorta Schaummann · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Overall the boom was deliciously written and pleasant. The is very little storyline until nearly the end. The characters are sweet and flawed. I enjoyed but it did fall a little flat. I recommend it to anyone who likes Sarah Addison Allen or subtle magical realism and romance.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Digital audiobook performed by Rachel DuludeSanna Lunde has taken over the apple orchard run by her family for five generations in Wisconsin’s Door County. The business is struggling but she has plans to expand despite her brother’s pressure to sell out to a developer. Isaac Banks has basically raised his son Sebastian alone. Trying to bond (and to find the right time to tell Bass about his mother’s death) they take off on an adventure and wind up at the Lunde’s orchard. Yes, the plot has been done before and includes most of the rom-com tropes. Yes, the heroine’s hard shell will be cracked by the genuine goodness (not to mention tall, dark, handsome charm) of the hero. Yes, she – a confirmed avoider of children – will come to love the precocious Sebastian. Yes, there will be major obstacles to their getting together. But has that ever stopped a couple in a rom-com? Well, Reichert is not about to break that mold.Despite all the predictability this meet-cute romance ticks all the right boxes for me. It’s set in a place I love (Hubby and I visit Door County a couple of times a year), and I feel right at home with the descriptions of the location, the people, the traditions. I love the food references, even though I’m not a big fan of the fish boil (still, it’s a sight to behold). It’s a fast read, relaxing and completely enjoyable.

[shazjhb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like her books. They are not great literature and are not brilliant or even thought provoking. That said the situations, people and definitely the food sparkly. There was also a recipe included. I would like to go to Door county in the summer, sit on the lake and drink cider. So it was a lovely read.

[headinherbooks_27 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Charming. Satisfying

[booksfortheliving · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book tells a heartwarming and inspirational tale of two people, and how they help each other discover their true selves.

Sanna grew up on the apple orchard she now helps run with her father. She has a special gift that helps her make spectacular cider. She lives for the trees on the land. They are her life, her livelihood, and they're rooted deep in her heart. She lives a simple life, but is content with it.

Isaac comes to Idun’s orchard with his son Bass. He’s trying to escape his past, and a devastating truth he has to share with his son. He is delaying the inevitable, but feels a pull towards Idun’s the minute he arrives. He is hired on as temporary help, and he and Bass help Sanna and her father tend to the orchard.

As weeks go by, Sanna and Isaac slowly open up to each other. You could feel the connection these two had right from the beginning. It practically jumped off the page. While Sanna was closed off to begin with, and Isaac was hesitant to let his true feelings build, their friendship blossomed into something even more special, as they pushed each other to be their best selves. I really love the progression of their friendship and subsequent relationship. It felt real, and true, and honest.

Standout supporting character was definitely Bass. What a sweet observant boy. He was such a cool kid, and I absolutely loved how close and connected he and Sanna became.

This was a story full of love. Romantic love, yes. But also love for your family, love for others, and love for your past and heritage. This book left me feeling warm and happy. I also want to visit an apple orchard, stat!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another charming food-centric romance from Amy E. Reichert as a cider-maker and a single dad spend the summer working together on a Door County orchard.

[mfbarry_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I bought this book since it was compared to Sarah Addison Allen's work - magic realism at its best. Unfortunately, this story was a poor comparison. The love story was unrealistic, the plot predictable and the magical aspect half hearted. I wanted to like this book so much; maybe that is why i was so disappointed.A light, easy, forgettable read.

[sheila1957 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sanna only wants to made the perfect blends of cider. Isaac wants to give his 10-year old son, Bass, a last innocent summer. Their worlds collide when Sanna's father hires Issac to work on their apple orchard. Sanna and Isaac are attracted but with the baggage both carry they try to keep is simple between them. I loved Sanna and Isaac. They are both strong people who are carrying heavy burdens. Betrayals abound in this story--parents and children, husbands and wives, neighbors. Watching how the thinking of each character is muddled until they come clean with the truth is interesting. I liked how the chapters changed between Sanna and Isaac. I also liked how Eva, the real estate agent, also has some chapters from her point-of-view as well as Bass has a few scenes. I liked how Sanna's thinking develops in regards to the orchard and her burdens. I enjoyed this story.

[fredreeca · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sanna and her father run an apple orchard. It is a hard job but both of them love it and are tied to the land and the trees. The orchard is in financial trouble. They are also being sabotaged. Issac and Bass are really running away from home. They end up at the orchard and sparks fly. Sanna is a hard working, rough and tough gal. She is not one of the best characters though. I love strong female leads but I am not a fan of her rudeness and her temper. Issac and Bass make up for Sanna, especially Bass. Bass is Issac’s 10 year old son and BOY is he a mess! The setting of an apple orchard is certainly unique. I enjoyed reading about the apple trees and the making of cider. However, the story is not as fast-paced as I like. But, it is a good read, especially for travel. It is simple. I know this sounds like a bad thing, but it is not. Sometimes you need a book like this. It does not take too much focus but keeps you immersed in the story. I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.

[teachlz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I would like to thank Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster, and Amy E. Reichert for the ARC of “The Simplicity of Cider” by Amy E. Reichert for my honest review.The genres of this novel are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Romance. There is an essence of a “magical element” to this story.I love the way the author describes the apple orchards, and the intriguing settings of the Midwest and the simple, friendly life of the small community. Everyone knows everyone’s business, and is there to help their neighbors in good and bad times.I found that the author’s descriptions of the characters are complex, conflicted and complicated. The characters have flaws and do show growth. Most of the characters are likeable, and some really irritated me.Sanna Lund and her father live and work on the family apple orchard In Door County. There are several generations of Lunds that have owned the land, and Sanna feels a special bond with the land that is tied to her familial roots. Sanna’s talents are to produce an exceptional apple cider. She has a special place in the orchard that is the oldest,that she tends to. It is no easy task. Sanna’s Dad is older,and doesn’t want to admit that he can’t do certain things anymore. Sanna’s brother wants to sell off the orchard and land, feeling that it is not profitable and productive as it is now.Issac Banks is a single dad, and with his son Bass, take off on an adventure together, and wind up working at Sanna’s orchid. Issac wants his son to have a wonderful summer before he has to share some difficult news.I appreciate the way Amy E, Reichart describes the fragile family relationships, the secrets, the growth, the love, and the hope. I also love the neighbors,and the sense of the small community!! I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of the authors books! Happy Reading!!

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Simplicity of CiderAuthor: Amy E. ReichertPublisher: Gallery BooksReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: FiveReview:"The Simplicity of Cider" by Amy E. ReichertMy Thoughts....The readers are in for a good read about cider making, the love of a family and to one who is getting away from CA for the summer with his son then you are in for a good read. This author really works her magic in giving the readers a good read about 'family, dedications, ambition, challenges, struggles, suspense and love that takes place in Door County, Wisconsin. The main characters from Sanna, Einers, Isaac to Bass...all are some very complex but so relatable to any one. Along with all of this the readers will be given a story from "The irritating casserole making neighbor,the brother...only wants to sell the orchard, the villain who wants to turn the orchard into a water park and the irritating ex of Sanna's who is sabotaging the orchard" all make this story such a interesting read. Now add all that is going on with Isaac and his son Bass along with the tremendous food descriptions the readers will get one heck of a good heartwarming read. In the end will Sanna be able to save her beloved orchard that she truly loved and will Sanna and Isaac end up finding each other? To get all the questions answered and so much more the reader will have to pick up this enjoyable read "The Simplicity of Cider" to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader.

[debkrenzer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had a really hard time adjusting to the prickliness of the main character of this book, Sanna. She wore anger like her favorite outfit. She was not approachable, and believe me, no one wanted to. That is until Isaac and his son, Bass show up at her family's orchard. Thankfully Sanna starts to soften and seems to become human again. And lo and behold, she can and is a nice person. I have no idea how Isaac saw this at the beginning when he met her, but he was stricken with her. SMH.This was a very enjoyable read after I got through these quirky character's different emotions and personalities. It's a story about family, about finding love and there is even a mystery involved. Simply put, you will need tissues in order to finish this book, but it is worth it. An interesting story with an interesting ensemble. Truly entertaining and enjoyable.Thanks to Gallery, Threshold and Pocket Books for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[theyodamom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reading this book will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.The beautiful smells if the orchard, the colors, the tastes, even the roughness of the bark. It is like going on vacation without leaving the pages. You get that happy after glow just from the words. Pick up a nice glass of cider curl up under a beautiful tree and enjoy this beautiful book. This author has such a talent for spreading simple joy with her words.The story is about family, one family with a strong history to the land and trees. One family set a drift by a terrible death. Both families have skeletons that are pulled out and dusted off leaving that closest a cleaner happier place. The romance is slow and gentle, patient and just right for the characters. The drama is light, never so tense that you feel uncomfortable or stressed. Strong good people, doing their best, living the best way they know. Great relaxing read

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Simplicity of Cider is another fantastic book by Amy Reichert. I have read her previous books and enjoyed them all but this is my favorite. The characters are so well done that you feel like you know them and the descriptions of Wisconsin (on Lake Michigan) are so beautiful that you want to visit.Sanna Lund and her father run an apple orchard that has been in their family for five generations. Along with growing apples, Sanna is trying to make cider that can help boost the profits of the orchard. She is happy with her uncomplicated life and her love of the land. Then along come the complications - her brother wants to sell the orchard to a company that wants to build a water park on it. Her brother is justified in wanting to sell because the orchard is losing money. Along with that, her father hires a single father Isaac who has a young son Bass and they are fleeing family issues in California. Once her father falls and breaks several bones, things really become complicated for Sanna. The reader doesn't know if she'll be able to save her beloved orchard until the end of the book but readers are in for a fantastic story to find out. This is the perfect book - a little suspense, a little romance and a lot of family love in a charming community. Read it - you'll love it!Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.